The Gritty Cornerbacks: NFL’s Most Physical Defenders in 2023
As the NFL gears up for the 2024 season, one aspect of the game that continues to draw attention is the physicality displayed by cornerbacks. These defenders not only need to be fast and agile but must also impose their will on receivers, disrupting routes and creating chaos for opposing offenses. In this article, we delve into the ten most physical cornerbacks of 2023, highlighting their statistics and what makes them stand out in a league filled with talented athletes.
Physicality on Display: The Art of Cornerback Play
A.J. Terrell: The Unrivaled Physical Force
Leading the pack is none other than A.J. Terrell of the Atlanta Falcons, who astonishingly recorded a physicality rate of 40.9%. This means that on nearly half the plays, Terrell made contact with the receiver, showcasing an aggressive style of play that few can match. His ability to force an incompletion on 20.6% of targeted plays while still limiting completion attempts to just 32.4% is a testament to his skill and determination.
“In today’s game, being physical can make or break a defender’s success against elite wide receivers,” says a source.
Michael Davis: The New Commanding Presence
Joining the ranks is Michael Davis of the Washington Commanders, making waves with a 38.2% physicality rate after his transfer from the Chargers. This new chapter in his career has seen him maintain a steady performance, with a forced incompletion rate of 20.5%. However, he will need to improve his pass defense, having allowed six touchdowns on only 20 completions, leading to a hefty 119.3 passer rating against him.
Joey Porter Jr.: A Young Star’s Emergence
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Joey Porter Jr. is another name to watch, as he pushes physical play to new heights with a 34.2% rate of contact. Porter’s impressive performance resulted in a low 45.3 passer rating against him when making contact, establishing him as one of the premier young cornerbacks in the league.
L’Jarius Sneed: Consistency and Control
With 33.0% contact rate, L’Jarius Sneed of the Kansas City Chiefs solidifies his reputation for physicality. Not only did he allow only 30.3% completion percentage, but he also forced incompletions 21.1% of the time while surrendering a mere 46.0 passer rating. His balanced approach proves vital in high-stakes games, where every pass can change the dynamic.
The Mixed Results of Benjamin St-Juste
On the flip side, Benjamin St-Juste (also of the Commanders) recorded a 32.9% physicality rate, showcasing that not all physical approaches yield success. While he forced incompletions 26.3% of the time, he allowed touchdowns on 34.2% of these defensive plays, leading to a need for refinement in his technique.
The Battle on the Line of Scrimmage: Cornerbacks in Action
Sauce Gardner: The Jets’ Defensive Anchor
Among today’s most renowned defenders is Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets. Garnering a 30.4% physicality metric, Gardner exhibits not only skillful athleticism but also a mastery in shutting down plays—achieving a stellar 42.4 passer rating against him. His ability to hold receivers to just 0.41 yards per cover snap exemplifies his dominant style.
Ja’Quan McMillian: The Emerging Contender
Ja’Quan McMillian of the Denver Broncos enters the conversation with a 29.6% contact rate. Despite some inconsistent results, notably forcing only one incompletion on 4.6% of targeted plays, he has managed to maintain a commendable 70.1 passer rating when making contact—a potential for growth in the coming season.
Jourdan Lewis: Struggling with Consistency
Jourdan Lewis of the Dallas Cowboys finds himself in the rankings with a 29.5% physicality rate, albeit struggling against completion rates. Allowing 63.2% completion and a passer rating of 115.9 indicate a need for improvement in his technique, though physicality remains a crucial part of his game plan.
Michael Carter II: The Jets’ Dual Threat
Another Jet making waves is Michael Carter II, who matched Lewis’s 29.5% rate. With an impressive 25% forced incompletion rate and limiting receiver success, Carter showcases the effectiveness of physicality in boosting defensive traction. His performance will be key to bolstering the Jets’ defensive capabilities.
Paulson Adebo: The Unsung Hero
Rounding out the list is Paulson Adebo of the New Orleans Saints, who represents a solid defensive backup option. His 28.9% physicality rate leads to notable achievements, such as a mere 39.4% completion percentage against him. Adebo’s contributions to the Saints’ secondary highlight the importance of physical defenders in solidifying a team’s overall performance on the field.
Top Cornerbacks: Defining Moments from the 2023 Season
Conclusion
As we look ahead to the 2024 NFL season, the emphasis on physicality amongst cornerbacks continues to be pivotal. Defenders like A.J. Terrell, Michael Davis, and Sauce Gardner exemplify the strength and effectiveness that comes from engaging physically with receivers. With a mix of veterans and young stars, the cornerback position remains one of the most dynamic in the NFL. The choices made by top teams in deploying aggressively physical strategies may ultimately determine their paths to success this coming season. Expect to see these players leading the charge for their teams as the battle for the Super Bowl intensifies.
